East Falmouth Library Project

In January 2025, the Town of Falmouth received a Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant to plan and design a new East Falmouth Library.

The East Falmouth Library Building Advisory Committee (EFLBAC) was convened by the Select Board in March 2025. EFLBAC successfully recommended an Owner’s Project Manager (CHA Consulting, Inc.) and architect (Oudens Ello Architecture) for the project, and together with these processional partners, completed the MPLCP Planning and Design Phase in December 2025. The project was waitlisted for construction funding, which was anticipated to become available in 2028.

On May 22, 2026, the Town of Falmouth was notified that the East Falmouth project was becoming eligible for construction funding in FY2027, about two years ahead of schedule.

Learn about the project.

Participate in the conversation.

Vote November 3, 2026.

WHY A NEW BUILDING?

It was a house before it was a library

Built as a home in 1950, the building was purchased by the Town in 1971 and converted into a library. After more than 50 years of service, it remains a house adapted for library use—not a purpose-built public facility.

Only about one-third of the building is usable

The current building contains about 7,200 SF, but only about 2,500 SF is usable for library services. The new library provides approximately 6,800 SF of accessible, purpose-built space.

The building needs major repairs

A 2023 assessment identified structural deficiencies, water infiltration, deteriorated exterior materials, a failed cooling system, moldy odor, and other significant building-condition concerns.

Repairing it doesn’t solve the problem

More than $2.1 million in immediate repairs were identified in the 2023 assesment—without addressing the building’s fundamental limitations in usable space, accessibility, layout, or programming

The building is not fully accessible

Stairs, non-compliant ramps, inaccessible restrooms, and an unusable lower level prevent equal access throughout the building. The new library will be fully accessible.

East Falmouth needs a place to gather

The existing branch has no meeting room. The new library adds a multipurpose community room, study rooms, dedicated seating areas, and a screened porch.

More than 60% is funded from non-Town sources

Of the $16.7 million project cost, a $7.2 million State grant for a new library plus $3 million pledged by library supporters covers more than 60%. The estimated increase in the tax rate would be $8 on a $400,000 valued home or less than $16 on the median home value.

Floor Area Comparison

Less than half of the existing library‘s square footage is useable as a public program area. And much of that program area does not meet accessibility code requirements.

Program Comparison

The new library is only 20% larger than the existing, but will more than double the amount of net usable square footage.

 

THE DESIGN

Improved Site & Expanded Parking

  • Wetlands remediation and on-site stormwater management will help improve Mill Pond water quality.
  • Welcoming entry terrace, front porch and children’s reading garden.
  • Expanded parking, with potential shared parking at Smitty’s.

More Than 2X the Usable Space

  • The new library more than doubles usable public space.
  • Expanded space for all library programs, including a children’s storytime corner, dedicated study rooms and varied seating areas for reading and study.

Welcoming Gathering Spaces

  • Covered entry porch with bench seating creates a welcoming arrival.
  • Bookstore-style browsing area with comfortable seating and views of Mill Pond.
  • Shared screened reading porch offers a unique place to enjoy the outdoors.

A New Community Space

  • Flexible, multi-purpose room accommodates up to 50 people and supports multigenerational programming.
  • Available for Town of Falmouth meetings and events after library hours.

Universal Accessibility

  • Fully accessible design removes significant barriers found in the existing library.
  • Includes accessible restrooms, proper clearances, and level floors throughout.

A Sustainable Future

  • Net-zero-ready, fossil-fuel-free building designed for long-term energy efficiency.
  • Features a super-insulated envelope, triple-glazed windows, LED lighting, low-flow fixtures and rooftop solar.
  • The project is seeking additional State funding through the Green Library incentive program.

Estimated Project Costs

 

Construction Cost

 

$12,618,331

 

Professional Services

$2,795,447

Related Project Costs

$1,278,946

Total Project Cost

$16,692,724

 

MBLC Construction Grant Award

 

($7,194,749)

 

43.1%

MBLC Green Library Incentive

($215,842)

1.3%

Library Supporting Groups

($3,000,000)

18.0%

Town of Falmouth Obligation

$6,282,133

37.6%
 

WHY NOW?

Community Need

  • Community-wide needs survey and visioning completed in 2023–2024.

  • Building assessment in 2023 identified significant code, accessibility and building-system deficiencies.

  • Maintaining the existing library would require more than $2 million in near-term Town investment without addressing long-term needs.

A Rare State Funding Opportunity

  • Major MBLC construction grant rounds are competitive and occur only periodically.

  • Falmouth received a $100,000 State Planning & Design Grant matched by a $150,000 allocation by Town Meeting vote in 2024.

  • In July 2026, the Town secured a provisional State construction grant of more than $7 million for a new East Falmouth Branch Library.

Still to be Decided

What will the library look like?

Images shown to date are conceptual. Full design and continued community input would begin in 2027.

Where will library services go during construction?

Temporary service arrangements will be determined by the Town as the construction schedule develops.

If Local Funding is Approved

  • 2027 — Design + Further Community Input

  • 2028 — Construction Begins

  • 2029 — New Library Opens

Why Now?

  • Falmouth has secured a $7+ million State commitment toward a new East Falmouth Branch Library.

  • The State’s funding deadline is fixed at April 30, 2027, requiring local funding decisions this fall to secure the grant: by a Falmouth Town Meeting vote on October 26 and registered voters casting votes on the November 3 state ballot, Question #10 on page 4.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Falmouth’s distinctive villages have long supported the two branch libraries as places for reading, learning, and community gathering.

The East Falmouth Branch has occupied several locations during its 90-year history.

The present branch in its third location has served the community for over half a century. It is dramatically limited in the scope of library services offered by the fact that the building was originally constructed as a private home.

1935 — Branch Library Proposed

East Falmouth residents request a village branch library, possibly within the East Falmouth Elementary School on Davisville Road.

1936 — First Branch Opens

The East Falmouth Branch opens in a room of the white clapboard grammar school at Route 28 and Davisville Road. More than 100 people visit on opening day. Cecelia Bowerman, head of the Main Library, also serves as branch librarian. Town records allocate $156 annually for her salary and funds for two tables and four bookshelves.

1943 — Library Service Discontinued

The grammar school branch closes in July 1943 as wartime fuel and gasoline rationing makes travel difficult and the growing school needs classroom space.

1958 — New Library Space Planned

As plans advance for a new East Falmouth Elementary School, residents advocate for dedicated library space. Precinct 4 president Arthur Thomas leads the effort to restore branch service to the village.

1963 — Branch Reopens

The Branch reopens within the new East Falmouth Elementary School. A plaque in the school lobby dedicates it as the Arthur Thomas Library. Olive Martin and, later, Ruth Farrell serve as branch librarians.

1963 — Search for a Larger Home Begins

The branch’s popularity and growing collection outgrow its school space. Head Librarian Hazel Atwood searches for a permanent location. A proposed library on school property proves too expensive.

1971 — Town Purchases the Vidal House

Finance Committee member George Pinto proposes buying the Arthur P. Vidal Sr. house overlooking Mill Pond. The house is purchased by the Town, and Vidal oversees its conversion into a library.

1971 — Present Branch Opens

The Branch opens in the renovated Vidal house, with Cynthia Botelho serving as its first branch librarian. An art exhibition marks the opening and complements the building’s newly designed interior. The branch’s hilltop setting and views over Mill Pond quickly become defining features.

2002 — Interior Improvements

The library’s interior is updated to create a more welcoming environment for patrons.

Keep an eye on this space for updates on the project. If you have any questions about the project or thoughts you’d like to share, please email us at eastfalmouth@falmouthpubliclibrary.org.

Agendas and minutes from EFLBAC meetings can be found on the Town of Falmouth website.